A Soft Tissue Injury to the Lip Might Require Basic First-Aid

Posted August 30, 2017.

A blow to the face during contact sports, falling off a bike, or a simple household accident can sometimes cause a significant lip injury. In some extreme cases, people have deeply bitten into or bitten through their lip. In a situation of this magnitude, the oral care specialists at Art & Science Family Dentistry offer the following first-aid insights. This can help manage pain while determining the need for further care at the Emergency Room.

– Gently wiping away stray blood with a wet washcloth can help you get a better look at the traumatized tissues. If you have blood or other unwanted material in your mouth you can rinse it away with lukewarm saltwater.

– If you’re concerned about swelling you can apply a cold compress on the area for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t have a cold compress on hand, you can improvise one by placing crushed ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a washcloth or tea towel.

– You can help control any bleeding by lightly pressing sterile gauze to the wound. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after half an hour it’s likely means the lip injury needs treatment by a trained physician.

If you live in the Woodbury, Minnesota area and you’ve suffered a significant lip injury, that requires further insight, you can call 651-739-1894 to speak with a member of Art & Science Family Dentistry.